NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE CONSERVATION PRACTICE GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

TREE /SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT Code 612

GENERAL CRITERIA Trees can be planted for a number of reasons including wood and fiber production, to sequester carbon, to enhance wildlife habitat, to protect riparian areas, to reduce the impacts of wind and water erosion, to improve water quality, to improve aesthetics, and many other reasons.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) promotes conservation and/or forest management plans which incorporate sound science-based principles, knowledge, and management practices. A thorough discussion of landowner objectives, timeframe, and economic concerns is essential in order for a successful plan to be developed. The NRCS field office personnel, zone forester or state forester should be consulted during the planning process. Also, professional technical assistance is available from private consultant foresters and the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The objectives of the landowner and the location of the property will aid the selection of the appropriate tree/shrub species adapted to the site and soils. See Table 1 for a list of tree species suited to Texas soils/sites. Also, the U S D A / NRCS Plants Database ( http://plants.usda.gov/java/) provides good references for suitable species in different geographic areas. Additional resources are available from agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Ecological site descriptions (ESD) are available for all east Texas forested sites on Web Soil Survey. These descriptions will aid in species-site selections. NRCS field office personnel can assist with interpretations of the ecological site descriptions.

When establishing bottomland hardwoods, an understanding of species flood tolerances and soil suitability is critical (See Table 1).

Native species planting options should always be considered first. Avoid planting any invasive or noxious species on the Federal or State invasive species list. Non-native species can be considered for windbreak and shelterbelt establishment (see practice code 380).

Comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the Texas Best Management Practices (BMPs). Texas A&M Forest Service will provide guidance on BMP’s if requested.

Refer to individual Job Sheets posted in the Field Office Technical Guide that provide specific information for establishment of certain species such as longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, loblolly pine, and bottomland hardwoods.

1. PLANTING SEEDLINGSPlanting is an artificial regeneration system that uses growing stock that originates off-site and is planted on-site using bare root seedlings, containerized trees or seedlings, or cuttings. The advantages of planting include species determination, density control, uniformity of composition and growth, and the ability to take advantage of genetic improvements

Seedling Sources. Priority will be given to plant materials that have been selected and tested in tree improvement programs. Care must be taken that the seed sources come from the same geographic area in which the seedlings will be planted. Seedlings grown by private nurseries in the region will be acceptable. Seedlings obtained from other sources must be from seed sources within a 100-mile North-South zone of the planting site. Balled or containerized stock from commercial nurseries must be suited for the "Hardiness Zone" of the site. See USDA Hardiness Zone Map (http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/) .This information is generally provided on a tag attached to the tree. Seedlings should be ordered at least 6 months prior to the planting season to ensure selection.

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Seedling / Cutting Quality. Only quality seedlings should be planted. General standards for quality seedlings are given below: (the graphic is a pine seedling)

CRITERIA PINE HARDWOOD • Minimum root collar diameter 1/8"* 3/8"* • Preferred height 8-14" 18-24" • Tap Root length 5-8" 8-10" • Minimum number of lateral roots 5 10• Seedling stems Stiff and woody • Terminal bud Inactive and “hardened off".

*Minimum root collar diameter for longleaf pine is 1/4"

Floppy Containerized Seedling – Do Not Plant

In addition to the criteria above, containerized (tubes, plugs) seedlings must be in containers that are firm, moist and durable enough to withstand the planting process. Containerized seedlings must not be floppy. Root development should be symmetrical.

Planting hardwood cuttings will be limited to cottonwood, hybrid poplar, willow and their varieties. Cuttings should be at least 18" long and no less than 1/2" in diameter.

Pine seedlings that have brown, loose, or moldy needles should not be planted.

Any seedlings with bark that is slick, black or rubs off easily should not be planted.

Seedlings that are warm to the touch inside the bags should not be planted.

Bare root hardwood seedlings should be treated with a clay slurry or polymer gel at the

Conservation practice specifications are reviewed periodically, and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this specification, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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nursery to prevent root desiccation.

Cull all seedlings that do not meet the quality criteria above.

Seedling Care. Proper care of seedlings from pickup to planting is critical to the success of tree planting. Every effort must be made to plant immediately after receiving the seedlings. If planting will occur within one week, the seedlings must be kept cool and moist – between 35°F to 40°F. Seedlings should be kept no longer than one week out of cold storage. If storage will be longer, heel in the seedlings until ready to plant. Seedlings that are "heeled in" should be planted within 4 weeks.

Only as many seedlings as will be planted that day should be taken to the site. These must be kept cool and shaded. Keep the seedling roots thoroughly moist at all times. Cuttings must be soaked in water. Keep bags closed and tape any tears or breaks.

Prune roots only if it is necessary to ensure proper planting. Pruning will be done with sharp shears or knives. Roots will not be torn or chopped off with dibble bars.

Pine taproots will not be pruned any shorter than 5 inches; pine root pruning must be authorized by the NRCS forester. There will be no root pruning of hardwoods. It is preferable to use a proper implement such as a planting shovel to plant hardwood seedlings with larger root systems.

Spacing and Stocking. For loblolly pine survival of 65% or more of the planned planting density at the end of the first growing season is considered acceptable. Pines planted for timber products will be spaced so that the trees will grow normally until the first thinning. The commonly used spacing for planting loblolly pine seedlings is listed below: (Spacing is determined by discussing landowner objective and site quality during the planning process.)

TREES PER ACRE FOR SPACING OF: FEET

BETWEEN ROWS

FEET BETWEEN TREES IN ROW

4 5 6 7 8 9 8 681 9 691 605 538

10 726 622 545 484 11 792 660 566 495 440 12 726 605 519 454 13 670 558 519 14 622 519 444 15 726 581 484 16 681 545 454

Hardwood seedlings planted for wildlife habitat are generally spaced 12' X 12' (302 trees/acre) or 10' X 10' (435 trees/acre) for timber production. This spacing may be altered as appropriate. For example, if little or no weed control will be applied, if rodent damage is expected to be high, or if high value timber products are expected, the spacing may be closer. Never plant hardwoods at a density greater than 435 seedlings per acre without permission from the NRCS state forester.

Site Preparation. The purpose of site preparation is to: • control competing vegetation that will interfere with the survival and growth of the new stand,• improve the soil conditions for seedling survival,• improve the effectiveness and success of the planting operation.

Site preparation may include the whole field, strips, or individual treatments such as mulching where the tree is to be planted. Prepare the site mechanically, by prescribed fire, or by applying approved herbicides. When necessary, water conservation measures such as scalping, v-ditching and / or mulching should be included. In addition, subsoiling may be needed on soils that are compacted, have a hardpan or dense clay subsoil within 10 inches of the surface. Conditions such as the potential

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for excessive erosion must be considered when planning site preparation. Refer to the Tree/Shrub Site Preparation 490, practice standard and specification.

Planting Specifications.

• Bare Root Stock, Small Containerized Seedlings, and Cuttings. Machine or hand plantingwith any tool that will accomplish satisfactory results is acceptable. Furrows and holes mustbe free of litter and large enough to adequately accommodate the roots. Soil around the rootsmust be firmed and free of air pockets.

Planting Conditions: Seedlings should beplanted when the weather and soil conditionsare optimum. Critical planting days will beavoided.

Planting Depth.

o Bare root seedlings. (pine and hardwoods). Plant about 1 to 2" deeper than they grew in the nursery bed(evidenced by the root collar). In deep sands, plant pine seedlings about 2-4" deeper.

o Longleaf pine containerized seedlings.Plant with the plug slightly elevated (1/2 to 1 inch) above the soil surface so thatthe bud will not be covered by soil.

o Small containerized seedlings. Plant with the top of the soil plug at or slightly abovethe soil surface.

o Hardwood cuttings. Plant deep enough to leave 20% of the cutting above the soilsurface.

Planting Methods:

A machine planter is pulled behind a tractor or bulldozer and makes a narrow slit or furrow with a modified subsoiling point. A person riding on the planter places one seedling at a time in the slit. The furrow is then closed tightly around the seedling by two rollers or packing wheels to lock the seedling in place. Keep seedlings in planter box until planted. Check planting performance frequently to ensure proper planting quality, particularly when soil type, texture, moisture or debris changes on the site. Machine planting will not be allowed for hardwood seedlings.

Hand planting with a planting bar or "dibble" is suited for small acreage, all hardwood planting, and/or where harvesting has left the ground too heavily littered for machines. The dibble blade must be both long and wide enough to achieve the needed planting depth without “J-“or “L” rooting. Pack seedlings loosely into planting bags and keep them in the

Condition Result Soil too dry Poor compaction

Improper seedling release

L or U Roots, Angled or too shallow seedling

Inadequate weight or pressure

L or U Roots, Poor compaction

Packing wheels not set correctly

Too far: Poor compaction, Too close: Damaged seedlings

DAY CLASS WEATHER - SOIL CONDITIONS

GoodTemperature: 35° - 60°

Relative Humidity: >40% Wind Speed: <10 mph

Soil Moisture: Abundant

MarginalTemperature: 60° - 75°

Relative Humidity: >40% Wind Speed: 10 – 15 mph

Soil Moisture: Marginal

Critical

Temperature: >75° Relative Humidity: <40%

Wind Speed: Any Soil Moisture: Low to Absent Soil Temperature: Freezing

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bags until planted – do not carry in the hand. Minimize tearing of the roots when removing seedlings from the bag. Do not ball or twist the bare roots to facilitate planting, lateral roots should be placed in a more or less natural position. Soil must be firmly packed around the planted seedling, eliminating air pockets.

The following illustrations show the proper planting technique:

Correct Too High! Leaning! J-root in a small hole!

There should be no more than 5% of the planted trees with a maximum lean of 30 degrees from the vertical. Every effort should be made to plant seedlings in a vertical position.

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• Balled or Container Stock. Plant when soils are moist. Do not handletrees when temperature is below freezing. Dig the hole twice aswide as the root ball and roughen the sides and bottom to facilitate rootpenetration. If necessary, loosen root mass. In well drained soils,plant at or slightly above the depth the stock grew in the nursery orcontainer. In poorly drained soils, position the tree with the rootf l a r e slightly above (1 to 3 inches) the soil surface. Pack soilsaround the roots firmly by tamping and watering. Form a ridge aroundthe tree large enough to catch and hold water. Do not place mulch orsoil up on the trunk of the planted tree. Leave the shoulders of the ballfree to exchange gas with the atmosphere.

• See photo below for further guidance.

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Planting Dates.

• Bare Root StockOptimum: D e c e m b e r through February Maximum: December through March

• Small Containerized Seedlings (Plugs, tubes)October through March.

• Large balled or containerized stock may be planted year-round if watered frequently.

Certification. Ideally, certification plots should be completed within 1 week of planting in order to address potential deficiencies associated with planting. A maximum tolerance of 15% error (85% planted correctly) is acceptable regarding spacing and planting technique, in order to justify certification. More than 5% leaning trees will result in a failed planting job. In addition to plots, the planting perimeter will be measured by GPS according to Texas NRCS policy for practice certification. The Texas A&M Forest Service sampling protocol for planting compliance will be used for certification. A sample Planting Compliance Sheet with Inspection Procedure is attached to the 612 specifications.

Replanting. Survival counts for pine will be conducted at the end of the first growing season. Survival counts for hardwoods will be conducted after a minimum of 3 growing seasons. Replanting will be considered when survival is inadequate (< 65% of planned planting density for pines and 50% for hardwoods). Considerations for replanting will include the landowner’s objectives, specific site conditions, difficulty associated with replanting the site and the availability of resources. If unsure, seek professional forestry advice. If the landowner’s objective, as stated in the conservation plan, is to have an open pine forest/savanna, less than 350 trees per acre may be considered satisfactory at the end of the first growing season. For additional information, see the job sheets on longleaf pine pine planting.

2. NATURAL REGENERATION

Natural regeneration is a regeneration system that relies on starting a new forest from either natural seed fall (either from sources on-site or nearby) or sprouting. Although natural regeneration is typically less expensive than artificial methods it can have disadvantages that include the inability to regulate species composition and seedling density, and of using genetically improved stock.

Natural Regeneration Methods

• By Seed. Natural seed fall from on-site sources can be achieved by silvicultural measures thatinclude seedtree, shelterwood and clearcut (patches or strips) systems. The method usedwill depend on landowner objectives, availability of a desirable seed source, existing stand andsite conditions, and desired composition of the future stand. Refer to Forest StandImprovement, 666.Site preparation will be planned as part of any system. Methods may include prescribedburning, mechanical site preparation, and/or application of herbicides. Site disturbance as aresult of harvesting may provide an adequate level of site preparation. Refer to Forest SitePreparation, 490.

• By Sprouting (Coppice). This system relies on the re-sprouting of hardwoods from the stumpafter cutting. It cannot be relied on (and will not be planned) from stands with tree diameterslarger than 12” dbh. When the coppice system is used to regenerate hardwood stands,clearcutting will be required at least in small openings to allow the sprouting seedling exposureto full light.

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OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

The following actions shall be carried out to insure that this practice functions as intended throughout its expected life. These actions include normal repetitive activities in the application and use of the practice (operation), and repair and upkeep of the practice (maintenance).

The trees and shrubs will be inspected periodically and protected from adverse impacts including insects, diseases or competing vegetation, fire and damage from livestock or wildlife.

Protect planted tree seedlings from grazing by domestic livestock at least one year after planting. See Access Control, 472, standard. The terminal bud must be well above maximum grazing heights of livestock species (6 feet high for cattle) before those animals are allowed back into the field(s) where tree planting has occurred.

Protect tree plantings from wildfires. Applicable practices such as Firebreaks, Code 394, and Access Control, 472, may be needed.

Control of leaf-cutting ants and gophers may be necessary, particularly on sandy sites.

Control of rodents should be a consideration during site preparation.

Control grass and weed competition until the woody plants are established. Control may be accomplished using approved chemicals or by mowing or shredding between rows. Noxious weeds will be controlled.

If needed, adequate protection against wind damage will be provided with the use of fabric screens, protective barriers, shingles, shakes, cones or shade cards.

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Table 1 – Species – Suitability List

Species Site Soil Drainage** Flooding Shading Range

Ash Green Bottomlands including frequently flooded Not demanding SWP MT I – M 3.6 – 7.5 White Uplands and terraces Deep, moist, well drained loams MW WT M 4.5 – 6.2

Dogwood Flowering Uplands Most but poorly drained clays W I T 6.0 – 7.0 Roughleaf Bottomlands to uplands Loamy to sandy MW WT – MT M 6.1 – 7.8

Elm American Well drained bottomlands Not demanding but does best on moist soil MW I – WT I – M 5.5 – 8.0 Cedar Poorly drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding P MT M – T 5.2 – 8.0

Siberian (windbreak only) Streambanks to uplands (non-native) **** Clayey to coarse, dry W I I 6.1 – 8.4 Slippery Well drained bottoms, terraces, uplands Not demanding MW I I – M 5.2 – 8.0 Winged Dry uplands to moist bottomlands Not demanding W MT I 5.5 – 7.0

Hickory/Pecan Bitternut, Pignut Moist uplands to well drained bottomland Silty to sandy soils MW WT M – T 4.5 – 5.5 Mockernut, Black Uplands Not demanding except poorly drained soils W I I – M 4.5 – 5.5 Shagbark, Shellbark Uplands to well drained bottomlands Not demanding except poorly drained soils W I - WT M 4.5 – 5.5 Bitter pecan (water hick.) Bottomlands Fine textured soils P MT – T I 4.8 – 6.0 Sweet pecan Well drained bottomlands to uplands Silty and loamy soils MW WT I – M 4.8 – 7.5 Black walnut Well drained stream bottoms to uplands Moist loamy soils MW I I 4.6 – 6.2 Little walnut Well drained bottomlands Silty to sandy soils W I I 6.5 – 7.5

Locust Black Uplands Not demanding MW I I 4.8 – 8.2 Honey Bottomlands to uplands Silty to loamy P WT – MT I 5.1 – 7.3

Maple Bigtooth Along streams to uplands Clayey to loamy W I - WT I 5.3 – 7.5 Boxelder Moist bottomlands and terraces Silty to sandy P WT – MT M 4.0 – 7.5 Florida sugar Small well drained bottoms & toe slopes Moist loamy P WT – MT T 5.5 – 7.0 Red Bottomlands and wet sites Not demanding P MT T 4.5 – 7.5 Silver Bottomlands, depressions Not demanding P T I 4.0 – 5.2

Conservation practice specifications are reviewed periodically, and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this specification, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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H nge Species Site Soil Drainage**

Tolerance*** p Flooding Shade Ra

Oak (White Oak Group) Bur Well drained bottomlands to uplands Clayey to loamy P WT I 6.0 – 6.3 Chinquapin Well drained bottomlands to uplands Loamy W I – WT I 6.6 – 7.4 Lacey Riparian zones and uplands Dry clayey to limestone W I I 6.6 – 8.4 Live Uplands Not demanding SWP I – WT M 5.0 – 7.0 Monterrey (Mexican white) Riparian zones and uplands Loamy W I I 5.1 – 7.8 Overcup Bottomlands Clayey to loamy P MT – T M 4.5 – 7.3 Post Uplands Loamy, sandy to gravelly W I M 5.1 – 7.3 Swamp chestnut Small bottomlands to terraces Clayey, wet sands to loamy W WT I – M 3.6 – 6.2 White Well drained bottomlands, to uplands Not demanding W WT M 4.5 – 6.2

Oak (Red Oak Group) Black Uplands Loamy to gravelly W I I 5.6 – 6.5 Cherrybark Well drained bottomlands and terraces Loamy W WT I – M 4.5 – 6.2 Graves Uplands Not demanding W I I 7.0 – 8.5 Laurel Well drained bottomlands Loamy to sandy SWP MT M 3.6 – 5.6 Nuttall Bottomlands Clayey to loamy P MT I – M 3.6 – 6.8

Shumard Well drained bottomlands to uplands Loamy to clayey MW WT I 4.4 – 7.3 Southern red Uplands Not demanding W I M 5.0 – 7.3 Texas red Uplands Gravelly W I I – M 7.4 – 8.0 Water Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding SWP WT I 3.6 – 6.3 Willow Bottomlands Clayey to loamy P MT I – M 3.6 – 6.3

Plum American Uplands Loamy to sandy W I I – M 5.5 – 7.5 Chickasaw Well drained bottomlands to uplands Loamy to sandy, moist W I I 5.1 – 7.3 Creek Well drained bottomlands, streambanks Calcareous clay soils or limestone outcrops I 7.3 – 8.4 Mexican Well drained bottomlands to uplands Clayey to loamy W I I 6.1 – 7.8 Oklahoma Uplands Sandy W I I

Sumac Evergreen Uplands Gravelly soils W I M 6.2 – 7.8 Flameleaf

(Shining,Winged) Well drained bottomlands to uplands Loamy, sandy, gravelly W I I Skunkbush Riparian areas to uplands Not demanding W I I 6.6 – 8.5 Smooth Uplands Loamy, sandy, gravelly W I I 6.1 – 7.3

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H nge Species Site Soil Drainage**

Tolerance***

Willow

Black Water edges Not demanding P T I 4.5 – 9.0 Golden Water edges, wet sites Not demanding P MT – T M 5.5 – 8.0 Sandbar Well drained bottomlands Silty to sandy SWP MT I 5.5 – 7.8

Conifers

Cypress Arizona Uplands Not demanding W I T 7.0 – 8.5 Bald Bottomlands, wet sites, moist uplands Not demanding P T I 4.6 – 7.5

Juniper Ashe Uplands Loamy, sandy, to gravelly W I I 7.0 – 8.0 Eastern redcedar Uplands Not demanding MW I M 5.1 – 8.0 Rocky mountain****

Uplands (windbreak) Coarse textured to gravelly W I M – T 5.0 – 8.4

PineAfghan (Mondell) **** Uplands (windbreak) Loamy W I I 7.0 – 8.5 Austrian **** Uplands (windbreak) Not demanding W I I 4.6 – 7.8 Loblolly Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding except poorly drained soils MW WT I 4.5 – 7.0 Longleaf Uplands Loamy to sandy W I I 4.5 – 6.5 Pinyon Uplands Not demanding MW I I 6.1 – 8.4 Ponderosa Uplands Clay loams to gravelly > 30” deep W I I 4.9 – 7.8 Scotch Uplands Sandy to gravelly W I I 4.5 – 7.0 Shortleaf Uplands Silty to sandy W I I 4.5 – 6.5 Slash Flatwoods Not demanding except droughty P WT I 4.5 – 6.5 Virginia Uplands Not demanding except droughty MW I I 4.6 – 7.9

Spruce, blue Uplands Deep, moist loamy MW I M 6.0 – 7.5 American beech Well drained bottomlands, along streams Loamy P WT VT 4.1 – 6.0American holly Bottomlands to uplands Not demanding MW WT T 5.6 – 6.5

Blackgum Bottomlands and uplands Silty to loamy P – MW MT M – T 4.6 – 7.0 Birch, River Stream banks, well drained bottomlands Not demanding MW WT M 4.5 – 6.0 Buttonbush Bottomlands, wet sites Not demanding P T I – M 5.1 – 7.8 Carolina buckthorn Well drained bottomlands to uplands Loamy W WT I – M 4.5 – 7.3 Catalpa Uplands Loamy to sandy W I 5.5 – 7.5 Cottonwood Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding SWP WT – MT I 5.5 – 7.5 Cherry, black Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding SWP I – WT I – M 4.5 – 7.3

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Tolerance** * pH Species Site Soil Drainage** Flooding Shade Range Cherry, escarpment Creek bottoms to hillsides Clay to gravelly but does best on moist W I I 6.5 – 8.5 Crabapple, blanco Upland Clay to sand but does best on moist loamy W I I Fourwing saltbush Upland Silty to sandy W I I 6.6 – 8.5 Fringetree Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding W I M 5.6 – 6.5 Hawthorne, spp Hybrid poplar Well drained bottomlands to uplands Deep, moist loamy MW I I 6.0 – 7.0 Littleleaf leadtree Upland Not demanding W I I – M 6.2 – 8.5 Magnolia, southern Well drained bottomlands, terraces Not demanding W WT M – T 6.1 – 7.3 Mayhaw Bottomlands, wet flats Clayey to loamy P MT – VT I 4.0 – 7.3 Mulberry, red Well drained bottomland ridges to upland Silty to sandy MW I – WT M – T 4.4 – 7.5 Osage orange (Bois D’arc) Well drained bottomlands to uplands Not demanding MW I – WT I 4.4 – 7.8

Pawpaw Well drained and uplands Not demanding W I – WT M – T 6.1 – 7.5 Persimmon, common Uplands to bottomlands Not demanding P MT T 4.4 – 7.3 Possumhaw Bottomlands to uplands Not demanding P MT – T M 4.5 – 7.8 Redbud, eastern Well drained bottomlands to uplands Silty to loamy W I T 6.1 – 7.5 Redbud, Texas Uplands Not demanding W I 6.0 – 7.5 Rusty blackhaw Well drained bottoms, streams, upland Not demanding W I – WT M 5.5 – 8.4 Sparkleberry Upland Loamy to gravelly MW I M 6.1 – 7.8 Sugarberry Bottomlands to uplands Not demanding except droughty P MT M – T 5.0 – 7.8 Sweetgum Bottomlands to uplands Not demanding except poorly drained P MT I - M 5.1 – 7.5 Sycamore Well drained bottomlands, along streams Silty, to sandy MW MT I – M 4.5 – 7.5 Texas mountain laurel Riparian areas to uplands Clayey to loamy W I I 6.0 – 9.5 Texas pistache Streambeds to uplands Not demanding W I I – M 6.1 – 8.5 Texas sophora Uplands Sandy MW I I – M 5.6 – 8.5 Water Tupelo Low flats, sloughs, swamps Clayey to loamy P T I 5.1 – 6.0 Western Soapberry Uplands Not demanding W I M 7.0 – 8.5 Yellow poplar Along streams to uplands Loamy W I I 4.5 – 7.0

* When wetness is a consideration, most hardwoods will grow well on sites somewhat drier than those listed above, but should never be planted on sitesthat are wetter.

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Key to Drainage/Flooding/Shade Classes for Table 1

** Drainage (Soil drainage classes) W - Well MW - Moderately well SWP - Somewhat poorly P - Poorly

*** Tolerances (Mature Trees) Flooding: I - Intolerant of flooding

WT - Able to tolerate saturated or flooded soils for short periods (weakly tolerant) MT - Able to tolerate saturated or flooded soils for several months, but mortality is high if flooding persists during the growing

season (moderately tolerant) T - Able to tolerate saturated or flooded soils for long periods during the growing season

Shading: I - Intolerant of shading M - Moderately tolerant of shading T - Tolerant of shading VT – Very tolerant of shading

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

****see windbreak/shelterbelt specification (380) for recommendations on these species

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Natural Planted SatisfactoryTrees Trees U D C S E N Trees Landowner:

County:

Sheet: Of

Treatment Acres:

Date Completed:

Date Inspected:

Vendor:

Inspectors:

Seedling Type:

Spacing:

Seedlings/Acre:

Plot Size:

TOTALS

Date:

Improper Planting (Specify):

Improper Equipment (Specify):

Comments:

from total planted treesDivide total planted trees by

# plots X plot size (20, 50, 100 # plots X plot size (20, 50, 100Multiply excavation factor from above

Bags/Boxes exposed to sunlight and over heated

Seedlings Dried Out

Planting Inspection Form

Unsatifactory Trees CommentsExcavated TreesPlot #

Field Tally

Inspection Starting Point Description -

(NE,NW corner etc. or Lat and Long):

Distance between plots:

X .

Total PlantedTrees per Acre

Minus Unsatisfactory

Tract Data

Vendor Signature: Inspector Signature:

Correctly Planted TreesTotal Seedlings Excavated

Confiscated seedling #:Torn Bags/Boxes left open

Bags out of Date Improper Genetic Line

Improper Culling

Divide unsatifactory trees by Subtract unsatisfactory trees

. (

Above Ground Trees per AcreTotal Properly Planted

Trees per AcreSatisfactory Above

Ground Trees per AcreTimes SatifactoryExcavation Factor

U

D AWMGB

F

Tract 1/100th Spacing 1/50th Spacing 1/20th SpacingSize acre plot Feet/Chains acre plot Feet/Chains acre plot Feet/Chains

211’ x 211’ 295’ x 295’ 467’ x 467’(3.2 x 3.2) (4.5 x 4.5) (7.1 x 7.1)

295’ x 295’ 417’ x 417’ 572’ x 572’(4.5 x 4.5) (6.3 x 6.3) (8.7 x 8.7)

361’ x 361’ 511’ x 511’ 660’ x 660’(5.5 x 5.5) (7.8 x 7.8) (10 x 10)

XJLT

N

Pest Problems CodesPest Problems should be Documented in Comments but

should not be counted against total trees

Root Collar less than 1/8 inch (Loblolly, Shotleaf Slash) (1/4 inch for Longleaf) (3/8 inch for Hardwoods)Top less than 5 inches (Loblolly, Shortleaf, Slash) (18 inches for Hardwoods)Cull seedlingDebris in planting hole or furrow

Unknown cause of death

Above Ground Problem Codes

Description

C

No Secondary needles (Pine)

Not properly packedToo loose - failed 4 needle tug test

No second dibble hole (if planted with dille bar or planting shovel)Planting hole or furrow not closedSeedling pushed or ran over by planter packing wheels

Below Ground

Root Collar above ground level (Loblolly, Shortleaf, Slash, Hardwood)Roots exposed above ground level

Top of plug greater than 1' above ground level (Containerized Longleaf)Excessively deep

Terminal bud touching or covered by soil (Pines)Root Collar greater than 2 inches below ground (Hardwood)

S

E

N

Seedling planted too shallow

Planting hole or furrow not closed at bottom

Excessive tap root pruning (taproots should not be pruned at all unless they are too long to plant correctly and approved by inspector)Taproots pruned with dull instrument (If allowed)Cull SeedlingTaproot less than 5 inches (pine) Roots less than 8 inches(hardwood)

Problem CodesDescription

P

C

Improper planting angle - greater than 30 degreesJ rooted seedlingL rooted seedlingTwisted or balled rootsPruned improperlyTorn or cut off lateral roots

1 per 3 acres 1 per 6 acres 1 per 10 acres

1 to 50 acres 1 per acre 1 per 2 acres 1 per 5 acres

51 to 100 acres 1 per 2 acres 1 per 4 acres 1 per 7.5

acres

101+ acres

6 x 107 x 108 x 109 x 10

10 x 106 x 11

Spacing (ft.) Trees Per Acre (TPA) Allowable Range (TPA)

8 x 86 x 9 7 x 9

681806691726622545484435660

370 - 479561 - 726

290203217

15 x 20

6 x 128 x 12

10 x 1210 x 1515 x 1510 x 20

123 - 160

Town Ant DamagePales Weevil DamagePine Tip Moth DamagePocket Gopher DamageBrowsing Damage (Deer, Rabbit, Livestock, Feral Hog)Fusiform Rust

514 - 666386 - 489309 - 399247 - 319173 - 223184 - 239

145

579 - 750685 - 887587 - 760617 - 799529 - 685463 - 599411 - 532

605454363

APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION

Tree and Shrub Establishment

612

PRACTICE SPECIFICATIONS APPROVED:

/s/ Mike Oliver_ State F o r e s t e r – N R C S / T e x a s

1/17/2017 Date

/s/ Kristy Oates

State Resource Conservat ionist

1/17/2017 Date

Reviewed By: Zone Forester State Office Specialists

Technical Guidelines For East Texas Pine (Loblolly, Shortleaf) Quality Assurance

for Tracts Funded by NRCS through EQIP (Tree/Shrub Establishment code 612)

Quality Assurance Quality assurance (planting inspection) should be completed within 5-10 days (ideally within 48 hours) of the planting operation being completed. Failing to complete planting inspections within 5 days does not allow enough timing to replant areas or an entire tract if necessary and may cause the replanting to be postponed until the next planting season. Also if it is determined the cause of a failing inspection is due to poor contractor performance and/or seedling quality then the landowner can hold the contractor and/or nursery responsible within a timely manner. In the past, planting inspections that have been conducted several months after completion of the planting operation have created problems in determining the cause of the failed planting practice and thus leaving the contractor and/or the nursery not being held responsible. Furthermore, landowners are not able to request cost share reimbursement until the tract has passed inspection. Delaying planting inspections causes the landowner to carry the cost of the operation longer without compensation, which often creates economic hardship. The forestry or natural resource professional involved in the tree planting planning should be notified at the time planting is started to allow site visits early in the process and to avoid later problems. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was established for 2017 with NRCS when dealing with tree planting compliance and survival inspections under USDA Farm Bill programs. NRCS 612 tree and shrub establishment specifications take precedence when dealing with USDA programs. The following list of quality assurance guidelines should be used when conducting any planting inspection. Parameters for Conducting Planting Inspection Before beginning an inspection, you will need the following equipment:

Tract map with plot grid Compass or GPS to find plots Something to measure plot radius – (1/100th acre is 11.778 ft; 1/50th acre is 16.7 ft; 1/10th acre

is 37.2 ft) Writing utensils Seedling inspection sheet Calculator Pin flags to mark plots Sharpshooter to check for underground problems Seedling specifications – species, variety, nursery, quantity Planting specifications – spacing, mechanical/hand, etc Weather conditions during planting and at the time of the inspection should be documented

Technical Guidelines for Tree (Pine) Establishment and Quality Assurance for Tracts funded by EQIP January 2017

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Acreage, plot size, and job quality can determine the number of plots needed. Seedling row width should be considered when determining the plot size. The following parameters for selecting plot size should be used at the discretion of the District forester: Row widths less than 12 feet - 1/100th, 1/50th, and 1/20th acre plots can be used Row widths 12 to 15 feet - 1/50th and 1/20th acre plots can be used Row widths greater than 15 feet - 1/20th acre plots should be used The following provides a guide in determining number of plots needed per acre and plot spacing by tract acreage:

Tract size 1/100th acre plots

Spacing feet (chains)

1/50th acre plots

Spacing feet (chains)

1/20th acre plots

Spacing feet (chains)

1 to 50 acres 1 per acre 211’ x 211’ (3.2 x 3.2)

1 per 2 acres 295’ x 295’ (4.5 x 4.5)

1 per 5 acres 467’ x 467’ (7.1 x 7.1)

51 to 100 acres

1 per 2 acres 295’ x 295’ (4.5 x 4.5)

1 per 4 acres 417’ x 417’ (6.3 x 6.3)

1 per 7.5 acres 572’ x 572’ (8.7 x 8.7)

101+ acres 1 per 3 acres 361’ x 361’ (5.5 x 5.5)

1 per 6 acres 511’ x 511’ (7.8 x 7.8)

1 per 10 acres 660’ x 660’ (10 x 10)

Tract maps can be created with plots laid out on the proper spacing to fulfill the requirements provided above using newer versions of ArcGIS, TexSARS or other GIS mapping software. Also GPS units can be loaded with shapefiles with plot locations overlaid. Either method can be used to identify and navigate to each plot. Once at the tract, the inspector should orient their self and use their map or GPS to navigate to plot 1.

Mark the center of the plot with a pin flag numbered to match the plot number. Using a plot radius tape or device, count and check all seedlings in the specified plot radius. Seedlings should be checked for proper planting. (See above ground problems section below) Results should be documented on the seedling inspection form When between plots (i.e. traveling from one plot to the next) carefully dig up two seedlings

and check for underground planting problems but properly replant seedlings to maximize survival. (See below ground problems section below)

Results should be documented on the seedling inspection form Continue to next four plots and repeat. After plot 5 the inspector will need to calculate the excavation factor. The excavation factor

is the percentage of good seedlings being dug up and can be calculated by dividing the number of good trees that have been dug up by the total number of seedlings that have been dug up. (See Calculating Excavation factor example below)

Technical Guidelines for Tree (Pine) Establishment and Quality Assurance for Tracts funded by EQIP January 2017

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When inspecting seedlings the following problems should be checked for:

Above Ground Problems: Spacing – Improper spacing will cause either too many or too few seedlings per acre. Too shallow or deep – Bareroot and container loblolly should be planted as deep as the root

will allow without J- or L-rooting occurring with a minimum of 1 inch to the bud of top above ground level.

Not packed – Seedling should pass a “four-needle” test and remain firm in the ground Second dibble hole not closed – Additional holes used to pack seedlings should be stomped

shut. Excessive lean in seedlings – Seedlings should not lean more than 30 degrees. Cull seedlings – Seedlings that do not meet the proper specs should be discarded. Exposed lateral roots – Lateral roots should not show above ground level. Debris in the planting hole or slit should be minimal.

Underground Problems: J or L roots – Tap roots should be planted straight in the planting hole or slot. This is

checked by carefully digging up seedlings (usually two unless you find reoccurring problems and then as many as four) at each plot to check for problems.

Cull seedlings – Bareroot loblolly seedlings should be at least 1/8 inch at the root collar and have secondary needles; if not, they should be culled. Container loblolly’s tend to be smaller and can be planted without the problems commonly associated with smaller diameter bareroot seedlings.

Tap root not 5 inches – Bareroot seedlings should have a minimum of a 5-inch taproot. If they do not, they should be culled.

Improper pruning – Taproots and lateral roots should not be trimmed at all unless they are too long to plant without J- or L-rooting being a problem. Trimming should be kept at a minimum if the roots are determined to be too long.

Technical Guidelines for Tree (Pine) Establishment and Quality Assurance for Tracts funded by EQIP January 2017

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Calculating Excavation Factor:

After 5 plots 10 total trees dug up

1 J-root for a total of 9 good out of the 10 Good trees divided by total = percentage or in this case 9 ÷ 10 = 0.90 or 90%

The excavation factor should be calculated after every 5th plot. If at any time during the inspection the percentage falls below 90% the inspector should begin digging up four trees rather than two. While digging up four seedlings, if the percentage rises back above 90% then the inspector may resume digging up only two seedlings. Once the entire tract has been inspected the inspector should then determine the total trees per acre. The total trees per acre should be within 10% above or below the original planting prescription. Above ground problems should be documented for each plot and deducted from the plot total while below ground problems will be deducted from the total inspection number and both will be used to determine whether the tract passes or fails. Fall Survival Inspections: All tracts that are inspected in the spring after planting should be re-inspected in the fall to determine if enough seedlings have survived for a manageable stand in the future. These inspections should occur after summer weather has ended and significant moisture has been received. All surviving planted seedlings should be counted. Minimum survival should be around 425 trees per acre. This can vary based on landowner objectives (Species/genetics planted, pulpwood harvest, early sawtimber production, poles, wildlife, etc.) Note: the NRCS 612 specification calls for 65% of the planned planting density for survival of pines at the end of the first growing season. Natural regeneration should also be counted and tallied separately at fall survival inspection. Natural regen numbers can either help or hurt management objectives. Low numbers of well-spaced natural regen can bring planted survival numbers up enough for a manageable stand. A few reasons natural regeneration can hurt management objectives are too many seedlings, too many seedlings of the wrong species or genetic line, they tend to create uneven spacing in stands, etc. Use of natural regeneration numbers at fall survival should be discussed with the landowner to make sure they are not adversely affecting his management objectives for the future. Before beginning an inspection, you will need the following equipment:

Tract map with plot grid Compass or GPS to find plots Something to measure plot radius Writing utensils Seedling survival inspection sheet (Some offices use the initial inspection form and others

create their own)

Technical Guidelines for Tree (Pine) Establishment and Quality Assurance for Tracts funded by EQIP January 2017

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As seedlings are tallied, any observed problems should be noted such as:

Pest damage (Leaf cutter ants, Tip moth, hogs, deer, etc.) Large areas with low survival Human damage (Mowers, vehicle traffic, herbicides, etc) Herbaceous and woody competition

Underground problems do not need to be rechecked in the fall. Note: For Longleaf pine please reference the Longleaf Pine Establishment Guidelines